Ice fishing tip-up display

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for indicating an ice fishing tip-up strike or mark trails in low light conditions by a flashing light source located on extreme end of apparatus includes a tilt switch to determine whether flag arm is in horizontal or vertical position. A reflective enclosure of the tilt switch/flashing light source is used to protect the electrical connections of conductors, tilt switch and flashing light source. Conductors connect the power source via a jack/socket junction to apply and disconnect power from the flashing light source. The apparatus is attached to a flag arm of existing known fishing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of ice fishingtip-up lights, and more particularly to an apparatus for indicating anice fishing tip-up strike with dual usage of marking trails in low lightconditions by a flashing light source and reflective body.

[0002] Since the time ice fishing tip-ups and like devices have been inuse, there have been numerous ways users have made a strike apparentafter daylight hours. Common indicators on tip-ups are flags, someequipped with lights. Flags that are used with devices are not easilyseen in the dark and therefore have been equipped with lights. Thelights that are used with these devices are constantly burning type thatare usually white/clear or red in color. The lights are turned to the onposition in different ways, though all in conjunction with a flag movinginto a vertical upright position. U.S. Patents Thiel U.S. Pat. No.2,785,493, Whitacre U.S. Pat. No. 2,786,294, and Dumar U.S. Pat. No.4,727,673 are examples of existing devices that include a light toindicate a fish strike on tip-ups.

[0003] Theil's light uses a mechanical connection of the flag itself tocomplete a circuit to light a bulb when the flag is in the uprightposition. Whitacre's light itself slides down th flag staff into asocket to make the electrical connection to light a bulb. Dumar's lightuses a modified conventional flashlight to act as the light source. Theflashlight is mounted to the base of the tip-up and when the flag movesto the upright position, a circuit blocking piece of material is removedthereby completing the circuit to light the flashlight.

[0004] Common indicators in existence are not easily portable, if atall, from one type of tip-up to another. They are not self-contained,weather-tight assemblies, and are often mechanical. These mechanicalconnections can produce poor connections due to elements of weather andcorrosion.

[0005] The constant burning type lights used can be confused withheadlights and taillights of vehicles traveling on a frozen lake. Aconstant burning light draws 100% of it's power consumption at alltimes, so the power source life can be short lived. These indicators arealso currently limited in color options so that ownership of a tip-upwith a strike may be falsely identified in heavily fished areas such astournaments.

[0006] The lights that are specified by the patent examples listed arelocated on places of the tip-up other then the extreme end of the flag,limiting their visibility. The weight of these existing devices would bemore than the strength of flag springs can raise to the uprightposition.

[0007] Tip-up lights by design have been single purpose devices, i.e.,to indicate a fish strike on a tip-up during poor visibility. When theflag is down, these lights are not illuminated and location of thefishing apparatus is difficult to locate. The locations of tip-ups onfrozen lakes are at times marked with a snow pile, stick, or small treebranch next to the device. These are not easily seen themselves and thefishing equipment is left vulnerable to damage by motorized vehiclestraveling on a frozen lake.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide a flashing light sourceindicator.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to improve visibility of thelight.

[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to consume less power,providing longer battery life.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a design thatmay be used on multiple tip-up designs.

[0012] Still yet another object of the invention is to providemulticolor options so fisherman can identify their fish strikes whenfishing with friends or highly populated fishing areas such astournaments where multiple lighted tip-ups may be in use.

[0013] Another object of the invention is it may be used to mark trailsat night either powered by a flashing indicator, or un-powered by areflective case.

[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, an ice fishing tip-up display comprises a flashing lightsource located at one end of an assembly; a tilt switch to determinewhether a flag arm is in generally horizontal or generally verticalposition; a reflective enclosure of said tilt switch/flashing lightsource; conductors to carry electrical properties from a power source tosaid flashing light source; a power source and circuitry means to supplypower to said flashing light source; and an attaching apparatus toattach to a flag arm of a fishing device.

[0015] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment ofthe present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice fishing tip-up display inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 displaying usage on an icefishing tip-up.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cordless version of theinvention.

[0020]FIG. 4 is an internal cutaway view of the power source section ofthe invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is an internal cutaway view of the light source section ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may beinverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail,part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as abasis for the claim and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0023] With reference to the drawings, an ice fishing apparatus is showngenerally in FIG. 2. The apparatus is of the tip-up variety such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,654,176 issued to Kachelski, et al.,incorporated herein by reference, and will hereby be the reference forthe description of a tip-up apparatus. As the apparatus spans an icefishing hole, hook 35, sometimes bated, entices a fish to strike. Oncethe bait is taken and line is spooled out from spool 36, assembly 34will then spin releasing the flag to the upright position. This chain ofevents is well known in the art. To accomplish an important function ofthe invention, there is further shown in FIG. 2 the present inventionutilized on the tip-up. Detachable power pack 31 is connected viaconductors to tilt switch/flashing light assembly 32. Removablefasteners 37 are used to attach the conductors and flashing lightassembly to the flag pole. After a fish strike and chain of events asstated previously, the flag pole carrying the flag and flashing lightassembly will swing to upright position 33, activating the flashinglight by means of a tilt switch. The tilt switch is preferably of themercury variety though may be gravity activated or mechanical whereincompletes the electrical circuit to the flashing light source.

[0024]FIG. 1 displays a preferred embodiment as utilized in FIG. 2.Removable power source 20 can be stored on ones person awaiting lowlight conditions to arm the flashing light source. Power source 20 isconnected to the flashing light source via cord 21, having a jack inwhich to connect the electrical property means to the flashing lightsource. Cord 21 conductors are fed into weather tight tubular enclosure23, and sealed with rubber bushing 22. Enclosure 23 is surrounded with ahigh grade weather resistant reflective membrane 24. Enclosure 23 actsas a weather tight enclosure to protect further circuitry, tilt switchand flashing light 25, and all electrical connections thereof. 360degree lens 26 covers the flashing light assembly providing a weathertight seal at the extreme end of the apparatus. Lens 26, when presentinvention is mounted to a tip-up, is located at the highest point tobecome a flashing beacon when flag pole is in upright, vertical position(post fish strike).

[0025] It is another feature that the enclosure be reflective. Thereflective material acts as an indicator performing multiple functions.First, when the ice fishing tip-up is in place spanning a hole with theflag down awaiting a fish strike, it is vulnerable to motorized trafficon a frozen lake. The operators may see the fisherman though be unawareof the locations of the fisherman's equipment. When shined upon by thevehicles light source, the reflective enclosure will illuminate,indicating the location of the equipment allowing the operator to steerclear. Another function is when the fisherman awaits a fish strike onthe tip-up, the fisherman may scan the area with a flashlight or likedevice to verify the locations of the equipment. This is especiallyhelpful during time to pick up the equipment before exiting the fishinglocation. The enclosure is mounted with it's length parallel to the flagpole, so that a fisherman may tell the flag position, horizontal or flagdown and vertical flag up, by use of a flashlight or like device simplyby shining the tip-up and determining the position of the reflectivematerial. This is especially helpful if the unit is unarmed without thepower source or if electronic failure occurs, so that the fisherman canstill determine flag position.

[0026] It is further a feature that the light is of the flashingvariety. A fisherman may observe many lights on a frozen lake indarkness, whether lights from taillights, houses or other fisherman. Theflashing light provides a decisive indication of a fish strike on thefishing apparatus. The flashing light source may be of assorted colorsso fisherman may use a specific color to help identify strikes on theirequipment in heavily populated areas. The assorted colors may be ofself-flashing colored LEDs (light emitting diodes), standard LEDselectrically pulsed to flash, multicolor LEDs, white LEDs, HighBrightness Blue LEDs, and alike.

[0027] To accomplish the means of sourcing electrical properties, in apreferred embodiment, to the flashing light source, FIG. 4 illustratesthe detachable power unit with a cutaway view of case 58. Battery cell51 is inserted in socket 52 that allows for battery replacement. Socket52 is mounted to printed wiring board 56, including circuitry to supplyelectrical properties via a connector socket 53, protruding to theoutside of case 58. Plug 54 may be connected and disconnected from thispower access portal to carry the electrical properties to the flashinglight source. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, case 58 is a two pieceshell variety wherein it may be opened or closed for battery replacementand secured by screw 57. Screw 57 is inserted in the center of the twocase halves 55, drawing them tight.

[0028]FIG. 5 illustrates a cutaway view of tubular enclosure 65 of theflashing light source. In this embodiment, conductors surrounded by aprotective coating 66, enter the enclosure where electrical connections63 reside for the tilt switch 61 and flashing light 62. A view of lens64 covers light 62.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment FIG. 3, a cordless version of theinvention is shown. Tubular enclosure 42 is reflective and topped withlens 43. Pin type cell 41 supplies power to the unit. Cell 41 may beinserted into enclosure 42 in two directions. FIG. 3A exhibits a view ofthe pin type cell, positive pin 144 and negative pin 145. If pin typecell 41 is inserted positive pole first, internal connections wouldresult arming or powering the device awaiting tilt activation. If thecell is inserted in the opposite direction, partial view FIG. 3B, thepositive and negative poles of the cell will be outside the unitdisarming the apparatus, though sealing the hole and operating as aholder for the cell.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect, the apparatus may be used tomark trails in low light conditions. The invention is easily removablefrom a tip-up fishing apparatus. Once removed the apparatus may be hungin branches of trees or secured there for more permanent occupation.When mounted in the upright position and armed with the power source,the apparatus will flash indicating a specific location in the dark.Multiple units may be strung to create a marked pathway. This functionis useful in many situations, one example being marking trails ofhunters tracking wounded game or indicating the location of a downedanimal. The invention possesses the reflective weather tight enclosureso that if the power source is not connected, the apparatus can be seenby an outside light source and shined upon to indicate a pathway orindividual location.

[0031] The invention is a multipurpose apparatus performing a minimum oftwo uses as stated and limited only to the imagination of the user. Theapparatus is small, lightweight, and weather resistant. As a flashingtip-up light the invention indicates fish strikes, position of tip-upflag, and protects the equipment it is attached to in low lightconditions. The flashing light source may be of multiple colors allowingfor choice by the user and flashes as an eye catching beacon. Whenremoved the invention functions as a trail indicator or identifier indarkness.

[0032] While the invention has been described in connection with apreferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ice fishing tip-up display comprising: aflashing light source located at one end of an assembly; a tilt switchto determine whether a flag arm is in generally horizontal or generalvertical position; a reflective enclosure of said tilt switch/flashinglight source; conductors to carry electrical properties from a powersource to said flashing light source; a power source and circuitry meansto supply power to said flashing light source; and an attachingapparatus to attach to a flag arm of a fishing device.
 2. An apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflective enclosure is shined on byoutside light source provides location of device and said known fishingdevices.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light sourceincludes color options where are electronically pulsed to flash or coloroptions to self flashing said flashing light sources; and is a flashinglight source of assorted colors of a flashing LED, standard LED withelectrically generated pulses to flash, multicolor LED, white LED, HighBrightness Blue LED's and alike.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein said tilt switch is gravity activated, mechanical, or preferablymercury.